Biography
Abstract Expressionist sculptor and painter David Smith worked as a riveter and welder at automotive factories before devoting himself to art. Interested in the painterly potential of sculpture, he built his works by welding together found objects, machine parts, and forged metal. His style evolved from early Surrealist and Expressionist tendencies (influenced by Pablo Picasso, Russian Constructivism, Piet Mondrian, and Alberto Giacometti's biomorphic forms) to late masterpieces of geometric abstraction. His last work, Cubi XXVII (1965), part of a series of towering stainless steel sculptures meant to be installed outdoors, broke the auction price record for postwar art at Sotheby's in 2005.
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Career Highlights
Learn more about artist insights.
Blue chip representation
Represented by internationally reputable galleries.
High auction record
$24m, Sotheby's, 2005
Solo show at a major institution
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 9 more
Group show at a major institution
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 13 more
Collected by a major institution
Tate, and 3 more
Reviewed by a major art publication
Artforum, and 3 more
Included in a major biennial
Venice Biennale National Pavilion, and 3 more
Biography
Abstract Expressionist sculptor and painter David Smith worked as a riveter and welder at automotive factories before devoting himself to art. Interested in the painterly potential of sculpture, he built his works by welding together found objects, machine parts, and forged metal. His style evolved from early Surrealist and Expressionist tendencies (influenced by Pablo Picasso, Russian Constructivism, Piet Mondrian, and Alberto Giacometti's biomorphic forms) to late masterpieces of geometric abstraction. His last work, Cubi XXVII (1965), part of a series of towering stainless steel sculptures meant to be installed outdoors, broke the auction price record for postwar art at Sotheby's in 2005.
Want to sell a work by this artist? Consign with Artsy.
Career Highlights
Learn more about artist insights.
Blue chip representation
Represented by internationally reputable galleries.
High auction record
$24m, Sotheby's, 2005
Solo show at a major institution
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 9 more
Group show at a major institution
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 13 more
Collected by a major institution
Tate, and 3 more
Reviewed by a major art publication
Artforum, and 3 more
Included in a major biennial
Venice Biennale National Pavilion, and 3 more
Shows Featuring David Smith (1906-1965)
Articles Featuring David Smith (1906-1965)
Why Clement Greenberg Defaced David Smith’s Sculptures
Jun 7th, 2017
20 Abstract Expressionists Who Didn’t Just Paint
Nov 10th, 2016
